As the controversy surrounding former Miss South Africa 2024 finalist Chidimma Adetshina continues to unfold, organizers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant have extended an invitation for the model to participate in the 2024 edition.
South Africa-born Adetshina has been at the center of an extensive nationality dispute, sparked by public outcry after she advanced to the finals of the Miss SA contest. Following an investigation into Adetshina’s citizenship, the national Department of Home Affairs announced earlier this week that it has uncovered prima facie evidence suggesting that the Miss SA hopeful’s mother may have committed identity theft. The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement issued by Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber.
It was revealed that Adetshina’s father is allegedly Nigerian, while the 23-year-old law student’s mother is believed to be from neighboring Mozambique. In a detailed statement, Schreiber explained that an innocent South African mother had her identity stolen as part of the alleged fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother. According to Apples Bite, just days before the Miss South Africa pageant, Adetshina withdrew from the prestigious competition.
In the latest development, the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant has stated that it believes Adetshina’s journey in the world of pageantry is far from over.
“We at Miss Universe Nigeria have been closely following the developments regarding your decision to bow out of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. We acknowledge the circumstances surrounding your withdrawal and understand the challenges you may be facing,” said national director Guy Murray-Bruce.
“In light of these events, we want to extend our support and encouragement. We believe that your journey in the world of pageantry is far from over and that there are still numerous opportunities for you to showcase your talent, grace, and beauty.
“As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender,” said Murray-Bruce.
The Nigerian pageant urged Adetshina to consider the opportunity and take part in “a competition that celebrates the strength, intelligence, and diversity of Nigerian women.” In Adetshina’s statement withdrawing from the Miss SA contest, the 23-year-old expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her during her journey.
“Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and me.
“With the support of the Miss South Africa organization, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all,” her statement concluded.
Kunmi ‘The Super Cat’ is a massage therapist, an entertainment and erotic content writer. She is a pop culture enthusiast!
